Hi there. I am looking into returning to yachting after a few years off. I originally spent one season as a stewardess on a yacht in the Med, and am now keen to try out the Caribbean season.

My question(s) is, where is the best place to be to look for work? I know Fort Lauderdale is the obvious choice, but I would like to know all my options and their pro's and con's. Also what is the best time to be there?

I am also open to the possibility of working in the pacific, though I haven't come across much information regarding this. So any info would be fantastic!

I am also keen to find out information about this subject. it is too late now for the med season i know but i am interested to try out the Caribbean season. anyone out there with some good info would be great.

Stick around Lauderdale from late September through November, then head down to St Maarten. Not sure what accommodation is like there, but it's your best choice. Meanwhile you can daywork and make yourself known in the yachting-circles. Alternatively, you can of course stay in Florida relying on the crew agencies.
Best of luck,
Lars
Palma Yacht Crew (Facebook)

I am in the same boat (no pun intended) and will be looking for work around September/October. Does anyone have any suggestions for the best places in Europe to go around this time? What about Antibes, Palma, Monaco?
Thanks!

Hey there, I'm also pretty much in the same boat. The advice I have been given is to go to the med as the boats mainly leave mid to end of september, hopefully you will be able to pick up work and do a crossing to the Caribbean. Haven't been able to find out exactly where to go yet but will post as soon as I find out.
As far as florida is concerned, what visa will I need? I have an Irish Passport.
Thanks

You will need a B1/B2 visa in any case. Very few yachts would hire you in Europe to go to the Caribbean without the B1/B2 as it would make it difficult to enter US waters, St Thomas in the US VI for example. St Maarten is a dangerous place to be hanging around on a budget!

The more research I do the more comfortable I feel with my plans. I am about to apply for my B1/B2 visa, as soon as I get my passport renewed, and then plan to head to Fort Lauderdale in September and do a couple of courses, then do the rounds with the agencies, do some networking etc. No daywork for me though, as it's illegal for non-US nationals.

Very excited to be going somewhere new! Perhaps I'll bump into some of you over there

You're plans sound good so far. Don't disregard dayworking so soon. Many boats will not hire people straight up and prefer to give potential crew ''a trial run'' before the actual hiring, if they are looking for permanent staff. It is also a great opportunity for you to give the crew a trial for yourself to see if you feel comfortable with the team dynamics.

As long as the boat is not US flagged you can work on their boat. Thats the reason the rest of us are able to work on these yachts anyway! Plus most boats I have worked on pay cash in hand.